Rome, the Eternal City, seat of one of history´s greatest empires and centre of western culture, is quite simply like no other city on earth. Founded over 2500 years ago, no other city has such a wealth of history and historic buildings; from Etruscan tombs to baroque basilicas; the Colosseum, the Forum, the Vatican City, if stones could talk, the story of Rome would be an epic. But Rome is more than just old buildings and long dead legends, Rome today is a bustling cosmopolitan metropolis, much as it always has been, in which the modern rubs shoulders with the ancient to create a unique city that has to be experienced to be believed.
The Vatican
The Vatican is the world´s smallest sovereign state and is located on the sacred Vatican Hill - believed to have held some form of sacred status before the coming of Christianity. The first church erected on the site was the Basilica of Constantine in 326 over the spot on which Saint Peter is reputed to be buried. The main sights in the Vatican are Saint Peter´s Square - which is in fact elliptical - which leads on to the majestic Saint Peter´s Basilica which was consecrated in 1626. On the roof of St Peter´s there is a coffee bar with understandably wonderful views. Of course a visit to the sublime Sistine Chapel is essential. Built in the 15th Century, using the same dimensions as Solomon´s Temple in the Old Testament and with incredible Last Judgement by Micheangelo, it is the scene of many of the Vatican´s official ceremonies.
The Colosseum
Built in the First Century of the Common Era, by the emperors Vespasian and Titus at the site of Hero’s palace which itself was built after the fire of 64CE. Some historians believe that its construction was financed by the sacking of Jerusalem in 70CE. When it opened there were 100 days of celebration - which involved the slaughter of 9000 animals and the arena floor being cover with sand in order to soak up the blood. The Colosseum was used as a venue for animal fights, executions, gladitorial games and by flooding the arena, even re-acting naval battles. The building was, in its hey-day, a wonder of engineering, including an awning system that guaranteed the masses a breeze in the hot Roman sun. Eventually the Colosseum fell out of its original use, over the years becomin a fortress and more often a quarry from which stone and marble was plundered by various popes for building the Vatican. Today the Colosseum again echoes to the cries of animals, having a huge population of cats.
The Pantheon
Originally built in 27BCE, during the era of the Roman Republic, the building was destroyed in by fire in 80CE and then rebuilt by the Emperor Hadrian in 125CE. The building is uniqie in that it is the only remaining Greco-Roman building to have remained in continuous use since its construction. Built as a unifying shrine to the gods of Rome, the building was given to Pope Boniface IV and it was converted to a Christian church - Santa Maria ad Martyres, still the official name of the building. The original interior is still intact, as are, although oft repaired, the bronze doors. The building has been used since the Renaissance as a tomb, the painters Raphael and Annibale Caracci are buried here as are two kings of Italy. The building itself is circular and until 1436 boasted Europe´s largest dome.
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is the jewel in the crown of Baroque Rome, enjoying sculptural and architectural masterpieces. Following the outline of an ancient circus, the Piazza was built over the ruins of the Stadium of Domitian dating from the 1st Century. At the centre of the square is the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini, representng the Nile, Rio della Plata, Ganges and Danube topped with an Egyptian obelisk. Rainaldi´s Church of Sant´Agnese in Agone and the Pamphilj Palace also adorn the Piazza. At the northern end of the Piazza is the Fountain of Neptune, and the Moor Fountain to the south, sculpted by Giacomo della Porta.
Trevi Fountain
This jaunty square plays host to a flower and vegetable market every morning except Sunday and is lined with trendy bars and eateries. Prior to the execution of Giordano Bruno for heresy during the Inquisition, he denied that the universe has a centre and was promptly burnt at the stake, the square was little more than a meadow. This charming square is a real taste of real Italian life and worth stopping by for a drink and to watch the bustle of the market.
Spanish Steps
These 138 steps connect the Piazza di Spagna at the bottom with the Trinta dei Monti church at the top and are the result of many years of argument as to how the steep slope on the side of the Pincio could be effectively used. The Steps were built primarily to connect the Spanish Embassy with the church and were paid for by a French diplomat. At Christmas a nativity scene is built on the Steps and in spring they are a blaze of flowers. The square at the base of the Steps includes the Baroque fountain "Barcaccia" and on the right as you ascend the Steps is the house that John Keats lived in until his death in 1821.
Trastevere
Once the quarter that house Rome´s Syrian and the Jewish communities, the whole area fell into disrepair as Rome shed its population and the Jews moved closer to the city centre. It wasn´t until the 14th Century that Trastevere re-entered Rome´s consciousness, with an increase in its population. The area is famous for its wonderful architecture and incredible views over the rest of Rome. In particular is the sumptuous Villa Farnesina, the building has frescos by Raphael and was owned at one time by the Farnese family, who had plans to build a bridge from the villa to their mansion on the other side of the river. Trastevere is a veritble warren of delightful streets with excellent restaurants, and in July is the site for one of Rome´s most vivacious festivals.
The Roman Forum
The Forum, as it is known to Romans, is the heart around which ancient Rome formed. In this area almost everything of note took place, whether it be administration or trade. Among the ruins are still to be seen the travertine paving which dates from the time of Caesar Augustus, as well as several temples, arches and basilicae. Eventually the whole area fell into disrepair, becoming a cattle field. It was only with the return of the Papacy from Avignon that led to the area being re-discovered as a potential source of materials for the new buildings being raised at the time. The area was fully excavated during the 20th Century and today is an incredible reminder of of the power and glory that was Rome.

Rome has two airports, both of which service international flights. The main airport is Leonardo da Vinci Airport, also known as Fiumicino. The second airport is Ciampino, and this is where many of the budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyjet land.
Fiumicino is about 26km from the centre of Rome, and is connected to the centre via a train service. The train runs every 30 minutes between 05:52 and 22:52 and takes thirty minutes to reach Stazione Termini - the main station. This direct train costs 9 euros. A cheaper option is to take the train that calls at Trastevere, Ostiense and Tibutina stations, this train runs every 15 minutes and costs 5 euros and runs between 05:06 and 22:36.
Fiumicino is about 26km from the centre of Rome, and is connected to the centre via a train service. The train runs every 30 minutes between 05:52 and 22:52 and takes thirty minutes to reach Stazione Termini - the main station. This direct train costs 9 euros. A cheaper option is to take the train that calls at Trastevere, Ostiense and Tibutina stations, this train runs every 15 minutes and costs 5 euros and runs between 05:06 and 22:36.
If you weighed down by all the euros in your pocket, you can of course take a taxi - which will do alot to unburden you of all that unwanted cash. The journey takes 45 minutes and after additional charges for luggage, charged per piece, and the supplement, you could end up relieving yourself of 50 euros.
Ciampino airport is just 20km from the centre, and if you are arriving on Ryanair or easyJet then the bus service to Roma Termini is scheduled to fit in with these flights. The bus takes about 20 minutes and costs 8 euros. Alternatively there is the Cortal bus to the metro, to the Anagnina station on line A and from there on Stazione Termini, and costs 1 euro.
During the night there is the Cortal bus service which connects the airport with Ciampion Metro Station and costs 1 euro for the five minute journey. The metro runs every 10 minutes to Stazione Termini.
As with Fiumicino, you can get the taxi into the centre of the city, but be sure to use a registered company from the rank opposite the arrivals hall. Make sure that the meter is running, and also be aware that supplements are payable for luggage, night journeys and journeys on public holidays.
Train

International trains arrive at the Stazione Termini, which is close to the Forum, just north east of Palatine Hill. From Stazione Termini there are regular connections to the rest of Italy and the rest of Europe.
Bus
Unlike trains, the international buses arrive at Tiburtina Station which is just outside the city centre, but easily reached by metro.
Getting around in Rome
Boasting buses, metro, trams and a suburban train network, Rome enjoys an extensive and integrated transport system. The buses cover most of the the greater Rome area, and most of them terminate in fron the Stazione Termini - from where a map of the bus routes is available. The buses operate from 06:00 until 24:00, and there are a number of night services.
The Metro system has two lines, A and B, which are both convenient for getting to the city´s sights. The junction for the metro lines is at Stazione Termini.
Tickets - rather than needing several tickets for the different modes of transport, there is a unified ticketing system allowing travel on buses, trams, trains and metro with just one ticket.
Basically there are three types of ticket:
BIT - Ingrated Single Ticket, this ticket costs one euro and allow 75 minutes of transport on all buses, metros and trams. The ticket is validated on the first mode of transport used.
BIG - Integrated Daily Ticket, ideal for those doing a lot of sightseeing. A daily ticket is valid on all forms of transport until midnight of the day it was validated. This ticket cannot be used for transit to the airport.
CIS -Integrated Weekly Pass, basically the same as the daily ticket. Costs 16 euros and is vaild for 7 days and give unlimited travel on buses, trams and metro.
Monthly passes are also available for those staying that long, the pass costs 30 euros and is valid for one calendar month. They are only available until to 5th of each month.
Children under 10 years of age are entitled to free

Rome Jazz Festival November 4th-30th offers a diverse program of international artists who truly encapsulate what jazz is really all about.
The exhibition From Rembrandt to Vermeer has been open since November 11th and will continue into the New Year. It presents artwork from what is known as the "Golden Age" in Flemish painting.
Romaeuropa Festival is a combination of dance and music events which are very popular and attract many visitors. It runs until 10th December 2008.